The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-04-16
CASTLE ETTRICK.
An Old Soldiers Love
Story.
TCONTISURD, I

hope you are alright, Miss Morrison,
said Mr.. Stanhope gravely. You were
such good nurse to my wife, and she has
only just recovered, SO that | cannot let her
be over-fatigued, and l was just going TO
ask you to look after our guest little, to
zee that the doctors orders arc oDeyed, and
that the servants do their duty. I would
do it myself, only"
oh! please say no more. l am quite
ready to help" answered Lefty.
Percy had been restless and uneasy, half
conscious, as it seemed, and looked from one
servant to another, as though he expected to
see a face that was not there. But when Lefty
went into his room, the look OF distress left
his face. In less than an hour he was
asleep.
The doctor gave some directions to the
young nurse, and went out.
He returned late at night, and found the
ln.alid sleeping still. THE best thing
that could happen to him" he said in a
whisper to Lefty.
Once in the course of the early morning
Percy opened his eyes. Lefty was at his
side at once with the refreshment that had
been ordered for him. She spoke to him
in he7 natural voice, and it was like spell
over him. He asked for her hand, and
held it until sleep relaxed his muscles.
That second sleep, i'll which the worst of
the fever passed away, lasted until late in
the following afternoon. When he awoke,
Lefty saw to her rapture that, although still
very weak and i'll, he was himself once
more.
In feeble voice he asked her how he
found her there, and Lefty, believing that
it would excite him more to be kept in
darkness than to be told the truth, gave
him brief history of what had happened
to her since they parted. 1t cost her some
thing TO tell why she had left Mrs. Morton,
aud why she had made up her mind that,
If she could help it, her friends should not
find her again; but his questions, and the
dark eyes, full of a Joy that no one could
mistake, fixed upon her face, gave her
courage to 60 on, and at last Percy knew
everything.
Forgive me-" she said, when she came
to the end of the story. Il did not think
that-that-you would have felt it So"
and / did not think 80 either, darling"
he said, taking possession of her hand. Il
have been too confident all along. l have
thought too much of myself"
Too much," cried Lefty; and then she
interrupted herself, and broke into a little
laugh, that was very lear tears. If l were
to tell you all | have been thinking of you"
she said.
"Some day will make you, Lefty" he
said; and then, with joyful smile, Lefty,
Lefty Lefty! What lovely name it is, l
should like to go on saying it all day. Let
ty, where are your"
Il am going for your medicine; il is close
by. Take it, Percy, it will make you
strong"
Il will take nothing. I will lie here and
starve, unless you make me promise
But drink this first"
NO, no."
Then make naste with your question
You will never leave me again, Lefty?
You will be married to me here? There
are such things as special licenses, you
know; we might be married o-morrow."
But your mother, Percy?"
My darling, had gained her consent.
You ran away in such hurry that you did
not hear what had been happening.
rather wish You had nothing; but believe
You are woman of property, and"
Percy, will you take your medicine2
You will get exhausted presently, and then
-ahl dear Mrs. Stanhope, am SO glad
you have come. He is giving me trouble. E"
why, Lefty" cried that lady, looking
with bewilderment at the girls radiant face,
what has happened"
Captain Winstanley is better" she said,
turning her blushing face away.
80 much BETTER" said the patient, that
if you, dear madam, will give him your
assistance, he means to be married to- NOR
row.
Married. Tomorrow Are the chill
dren madi' cried Mrs. Stanhope. Lefty
tell me instantly, what is the meaning Of
this"
Lefty told her, and, before the story was
over, the good, kind woman was
weeping profusely. "Of course you shall
be married, my darling she said, en-
bracing Lefty tenderly. Il will see Mr..
Stanhope about it at once" Then she be-
gan to sob Historically. Il always knew
you would leave me suddenly, Lefty" she
said; "and how am l ever to do without
you? But l must not be selfish"
And she hustled away to indulge in a
good cry, leaving to Lefty the difficult task
of persuading Percy to rest.